Images via Hardware Zone and What's The Meta
Many people dream of becoming a professional esports gamer. Who wouldn’t want to be paid to play games, right? There are so many ways to achieve this dream now with more pro teams popping up around the world, academies teaching people how to game, and the addition of mobile games in the esports scene allowing players with no access to PCs and consoles to join the scene too.
So, how can you properly differentiate between a pro and noob? Here are eight things you’re doing totally WRONG:
#1 Zero map awareness
Every game contains a certain layout. Knowing and understanding the layouts are important—this is called map awareness! You need to know where you are, where you need to go and where the enemies can come from.
Before you jump into your next killing spree, try running around the map and checking out different spots. Better yet, watch how pros play it on YouTube or streaming sites!
#2 Not knowing how to use the weapons, vehicles or characters
Some of you have your favourite weapons or characters which you always go back to. Sure, you’re probably really good at using the rifle or the specific hero in a certain class. However, what makes a gamer professional is being dynamic! Try out different things every once in a while and try to get good at them. Also, for games like PUBG, do practice your driving skills as well.
#3 Overinvesting in the most expensive equipment
Having a strong GPU to support your games are important—be it PC, console or mobile—but do you really need all the fanciest stuff? No. Your gaming ability shouldn’t rely heavily on your equipment. In fact, many pro players start out humble with a simple set up and slowly upgrade as they go. Unless you’re swimming in money, getting the best PC or smartphone shouldn’t be your priority.
#4 NOT watching pro gamers and esports tournaments
A great way to learn is to watch how the best people do it. Follow tournaments to see how the professionals battle it out against each other, catch live streams and understand why pros do certain moves or watch YouTube videos. Most importantly, don’t look at their best moments only. Check out some of the mistakes they’ve done as well and learn from them.
#5 Choosing the flashiest gun skins or character outfits
Certain games allow you to equip different looks for guns or characters. As much as we’d like to make the in-game experience look better, it’s not always a great choice. Sometimes those flashy things will hinder camouflaging, rendering hiding pointless.
Worse still, some of these can be so costly such as the Factory New Dragon Lore Souvenir AWP signed by Skadoodle, which was sold at US$61,000. That’s RM260,000!
Image via PC Gamer
Don’t waste money, ok…
#6 Forming predictable habits which hinder gameplay
You might have a certain move or a place you like to camp in. However, doing the same thing every round makes you predictable. A player who’s better than you will be able to analyse your playstyle almost immediately and find ways to best you. Try out different moves every now and then to keep your enemies on their toes.
#7 Being too emotional after losing and becoming toxic
Yes, we’re all aware that losing sucks but getting too upset over it isn’t necessary either. In fact, professional games are always extremely high stress and it’s essential to keep cool. Learn to manage your anger and avoid blaming your teammates for any losses.
#8 No communication with teammates
Teams that lack communication are more likely to lose simply because there’s no information being transmitted. Therefore, it’ll feel like a solo game rather than a team game, making it difficult for each individual to decipher the opponents’ whereabouts. Practice relaying messages through the in-game comms. There are multiple external apps you can use too such as TeamSpeak and Discord.
Want to be a pro but afraid of failure? Don’t give up!
Every professional gamer started out as a noob too. Just because you’re not playing on their level right now, doesn’t mean you can’t reach the top one day. Don’t give up!
In the spirit of #BikinSampaiJadi, Hotlink wants all of you to achieve your dreams and be the best version of yourself too, much like the Maxis-sponsored Team Secret. If you’ve messed up, don’t sweat it, lah! Just pick yourself up and continue the grind.
Image via Hotlink
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Wanna strive to be the best gamer? Get the Hotlink Prepaid Unlimited now. For more info, check out Hotlink’s website.